Dustin Lance Black Calls On Hollywood To Take A Stand Against Russia's Anti-Gay Laws

In a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar-winning screenwriter and LGBT activist Dustin Lance Black calls on the Hollywood community (especially those mega powerful movie studios) to take a stand against Russia's increasingly dangerous anti-gay laws and cultural climate.

"But most shocking to me is that Hollywood might continue to produce and premiere major motion pictures in Russia without doing its part to make sure this abuse is stopped.

Last week, my friend Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, sent a letter to six major studios and the Motion Picture Association of America, urging them to speak out about the ongoing atrocities in Russia. So far, every one of them has avoided comment. The truth is, there is virtually no other industry that can make a greater impact than ours. In 2012, annual box-office returns for the top 50 films in Russia topped $900 million. Nearly every one of those movies is a product of Hollywood. Our business matters to Russia, our voices are heard in Russia, and the combination of these avenues of influence can absolutely help end these dark days there."

What do you think, Instincters? Could Hollywood play a key role in halting Russia's anti-gay policies?

What's the best course of action? Refuse to send Hollywood films to the country? Refuse to shoot there?

Are Hollywood studios willing to take a financial hit in order to affect change? Or would the hit be felt more deeply by the Russians?